August 22, 2019 – Maputo – The governments of the Republic of Mozambique and the United States held a ceremony today to celebrate five years of achievement in the fight to end tuberculosis (TB).  At the ceremony, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director for Mozambique, Dr. Jennifer Adams, and Minister of Health, Dr. Nazira Abdula, signed a “Strategic Partnership Statement to Improve Tuberculosis Control.”  This partnership seeks to end TB and ensure Mozambicans affected by TB live healthy and productive lives.

Through the USAID-supported Challenge TB program, implemented by the KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation in collaboration with FHI 360, the U.S. Government partnered with the Ministry of Health to increase access to TB-related services for more than 50% of the population.  In particular, the program focused services on Mozambicans at high risk of contracting TB, such as those living with HIV, prisoners, children under five years of age, residents in mining communities, and health care workers.

During the signing ceremony, Dr. Adams said “Achieving a TB-free Mozambique means we must collaborate and work together, holding ourselves to higher standards of partnership and accountability.  Employers that offer TB screenings and opportunities for treatment save lives. Schools that educate youth on TB symptoms help ensure that those infected know when to seek treatment.”

Closing the ceremony, Minister Abdula underlined the significance of the Partnership Statement, emphasizing the Mozambican Government’s commitment to supporting its implementation.